The ceremony took place on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Department. Colonel Gianluca Ercolani, Commander of the RSV, in his speech recalled the pioneering spirit of the early pioneers, stating: “[…]
It is always alive, all this in a period of further significant historical transformation, characterized by an important generational leap in the aeronautical world, with inevitable projection into the aerospace domain, a natural expansion of the competencies of an Armed Forces such as the Air Force. […]” .
General Fabio Molteni, Commander of the Experimental Flight Center (CSV), intervened emphasizing that: “Technical challenges are becoming increasingly arduous, as the more complex weapon systems subject to evaluation and operational certification become. For this reason, about thirty years ago, the Air Force of that time decided to incorporate the precious stone of the RSV into a more complex jewel, composed of several gems: the other Departments that made up the Air Division of Studies, Research and Experiments: a farsighted choice, the results of which are well known both yesterday and today. […]”.
General Salvestroni, for his part, paid particular attention to the role of the RSV, which has been, at all times, the focal point and driving force of technological innovation in the field of aeronautics: “An emotion made even more intense by the fact of being myself a pilot-experimenter, having served this Department and having had the privilege of guarding the War Flag, which we honor today, during the exercise of my command responsibilities. The bond between the Armed Forces and the Tricolour is as old as the Tricolour itself. The history of our Flag, symbol of national unity, is intertwined, in fact, with the fate of many soldiers who died for that dream of unity, freedom and independence. […] For us this flag represents the sacrifice of the pilots of the Studies and Experiences Directorate during the Second World War and, more generally, it represents the sacrifice of many of our colleagues engaged in research and experimentation activities.“.
The War Flag was then blessed by the Military Chaplain of the Airport.
The RSV was established on October 20, 1949, with the task of conducting tests on the characteristics of flight materials, both new and already in use for telecommunications and armament, expressing an opinion on their capabilities and suitability for use, as well as making proposals for modifications to projects submitted by the industry, performing a consultative role in this regard for the Air Staff.
The RSV War Flag was awarded the Gold Medal for Aeronautic Valor in 1987.
